Bacon Wrapped Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Chicken: A Deliciously Decadent Delight

Are you looking for a show-stopping main course that’s surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! This Bacon Wrapped Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Chicken is a culinary masterpiece that combines juicy chicken breasts with a creamy, flavorful filling, all encased in crispy, smoky bacon. It’s perfect for a special occasion dinner, a weekend treat, or even an impressive weeknight meal when you want to elevate your cooking game.

This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The combination of textures and flavors is simply irresistible. The tender chicken, the rich ricotta and spinach filling, and the salty, crispy bacon create a symphony of taste that will have everyone begging for seconds. Plus, it looks absolutely stunning on the plate, making it ideal for entertaining.

Let’s dive into the details of how to create this delectable dish. We’ll cover everything from ingredient selection to step-by-step instructions, ensuring your success in the kitchen. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this truly unforgettable meal!

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we begin, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients. This will make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.

* **Chicken Breasts:** 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each). Choose chicken breasts that are relatively uniform in thickness for even cooking.
* **Bacon:** 1 pound of thinly sliced bacon. Thinly sliced bacon crisps up nicely and wraps easily around the chicken breasts. You can use regular or maple-flavored bacon, depending on your preference.
* **Ricotta Cheese:** 1 cup of whole milk ricotta cheese. Whole milk ricotta provides the best flavor and texture. Make sure to drain any excess liquid from the ricotta before using it.
* **Spinach:** 5 ounces of fresh spinach. Fresh spinach wilts beautifully and adds a healthy dose of nutrients. You can substitute frozen spinach (thawed and squeezed dry) if fresh spinach is not available.
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves of garlic, minced. Garlic adds a pungent, aromatic flavor to the filling.
* **Parmesan Cheese:** 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor to the filling.
* **Egg:** 1 large egg. The egg helps bind the filling ingredients together.
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Olive oil is used for sautéing the spinach and garlic.
* **Salt:** To taste. Salt enhances the flavors of all the ingredients.
* **Black Pepper:** To taste. Black pepper adds a subtle spice to the dish.
* **Dried Italian Herbs:** 1 teaspoon (optional). A blend of dried Italian herbs, such as oregano, basil, and thyme, can add extra flavor to the filling.
* **Toothpicks:** As needed. Toothpicks are used to secure the bacon around the chicken breasts.

## Equipment

* Large skillet or sauté pan
* Mixing bowl
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Baking sheet
* Aluminum foil (optional, for lining the baking sheet)
* Meat mallet or rolling pin (for tenderizing the chicken breasts)

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these detailed instructions to create your own Bacon Wrapped Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Chicken.

**1. Prepare the Spinach and Ricotta Filling:**

* Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
* Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
* Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. If using frozen spinach, make sure it’s thawed and squeezed dry before adding it to the skillet.
* Remove the skillet from the heat and let the spinach cool slightly.
* In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, cooked spinach, salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs (if using). Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.

**2. Prepare the Chicken Breasts:**

* Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or in a resealable plastic bag.
* Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This will help them cook evenly and prevent them from drying out.
* Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.

**3. Stuff the Chicken Breasts:**

* Place a generous spoonful (about 1/4 of the filling) on one half of each chicken breast.
* Fold the other half of the chicken breast over the filling to create a pocket.

**4. Wrap the Chicken with Bacon:**

* Wrap each stuffed chicken breast with 4-6 slices of bacon, overlapping the edges to ensure the chicken is completely covered.
* Secure the bacon with toothpicks to prevent it from unraveling during cooking. Make sure the toothpicks are inserted firmly and do not protrude too much.

**5. Bake the Chicken:**

* Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
* Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil (optional, for easier cleanup).
* Place the bacon-wrapped chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet.
* Drizzle the chicken breasts with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
* Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon is crispy. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).

**6. Let Rest and Serve:**

* Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken.
* Remove the toothpicks before serving.
* Serve the Bacon Wrapped Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Chicken with your favorite side dishes. Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad are all excellent choices.

## Tips and Variations

Here are a few tips and variations to customize this recipe to your liking:

* **Cheese Variations:** Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese in the filling. Mozzarella, provolone, or feta cheese would all be delicious additions.
* **Vegetable Variations:** Add other vegetables to the filling, such as chopped sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, or artichoke hearts.
* **Spice It Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling for a touch of heat.
* **Herb Variations:** Use different herbs in the filling, such as fresh basil, parsley, or chives.
* **Grilling Option:** You can also grill the bacon-wrapped chicken breasts instead of baking them. Preheat your grill to medium heat and grill the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon is crispy.
* **Air Fryer Option:** Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the bacon-wrapped chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon is crispy.
* **Make-Ahead Option:** You can prepare the chicken breasts ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Wrap the stuffed chicken breasts tightly in plastic wrap before refrigerating them. When ready to bake, simply remove the plastic wrap and bake as directed.
* **Sauce Suggestions:** Serve the chicken with a delicious sauce. A creamy garlic sauce, a lemon butter sauce, or a balsamic glaze would all complement the flavors of the dish perfectly.

## Serving Suggestions

This Bacon Wrapped Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Chicken is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few suggestions:

* **Mashed Potatoes:** Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing with chicken. Add a touch of garlic or herbs to the mashed potatoes for extra flavor.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts, are a healthy and flavorful side dish. Toss the vegetables with olive oil, salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs before roasting them.
* **Salad:** A simple salad with a light vinaigrette is a refreshing accompaniment to the rich chicken. Consider a mixed greens salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions.
* **Rice Pilaf:** Rice pilaf is a flavorful and aromatic side dish that pairs well with chicken. Add vegetables, herbs, or nuts to the rice pilaf for extra flavor and texture.
* **Quinoa:** Quinoa is a healthy and protein-packed side dish that is a great alternative to rice. Cook the quinoa in chicken broth for extra flavor.
* **Asparagus:** Grilled or roasted asparagus is a simple and elegant side dish that complements the chicken beautifully. Drizzle the asparagus with olive oil and season with salt and pepper before grilling or roasting.
* **Green Beans:** Sautéed or steamed green beans are a quick and easy side dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. Add a touch of garlic or lemon juice to the green beans for extra flavor.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

*Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*

* Calories: 450-550 per serving
* Protein: 40-50 grams per serving
* Fat: 25-35 grams per serving
* Carbohydrates: 5-10 grams per serving

## Why This Recipe Works

This recipe is a winner for several reasons:

* **Flavor Combination:** The combination of salty bacon, creamy ricotta, and savory spinach creates a delicious and well-balanced flavor profile.
* **Texture Contrast:** The crispy bacon, tender chicken, and creamy filling provide a delightful contrast in textures.
* **Visual Appeal:** The bacon-wrapped chicken breasts look impressive and are sure to impress your guests.
* **Versatility:** This recipe can be easily customized to suit your preferences and dietary needs.
* **Relatively Easy to Make:** Despite its impressive appearance, this recipe is surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner cooks.

## Conclusion

This Bacon Wrapped Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Chicken is a truly exceptional dish that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a special meal to impress your loved ones or simply want to elevate your weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. The combination of flavors, textures, and visual appeal makes it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So, gather your ingredients, follow the instructions, and get ready to enjoy a culinary masterpiece!

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and serving suggestions to create your own unique version of this delicious dish. Happy cooking!